KUALA LUMPUR – Former national shuttler Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin has confirmed that he was approached by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) earlier this year over the vacant women’s singles head coach position.
This confirms Scoop’s initial report in March that he was among the frontrunners for the role.
However, while BAM has made its move, Iskandar remains undecided on whether to take the leap of faith and return to Malaysia, citing personal and professional factors that need careful consideration.
“There was someone from BAM who contacted me this year,” said the 33-year-old when met at the Axiata Arena here yesterday.
Iskandar, who is currently under contract with Badminton Ireland until 2028, admitted he would need to weigh his options carefully before making any decision – especially with his wife and children now settled in Ireland.
“For me, I still have a contract until 2028 and I’m still young… I need to see what my goals are and discuss them with my family,” he added.
“Even now, my family is in Ireland with me. I’ll need to weigh and see what’s best.”
Scoop had reported in March that Iskandar had emerged as a leading candidate following Indonesian Jeffer Rosobin’s resignation in February. The latest development now confirms BAM’s interest, although no formal announcement has been made by the national body.
Iskandar, who transitioned into coaching after moving to Ireland in 2022, has quietly made his mark in European badminton. He helped world number 33 Nhat Nguyen and Rachael Darragh qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics and now oversees both the men’s and women’s singles players as Ireland’s national coach.
“Work there (Ireland) is fine, because people trust me. I’ve also brought a few Malaysian players over to Ireland to assist me like Yeoh Seng Zoe. When people have placed their trust in me, I must also do my best to return the favour," Iskandar noted.
“I am still young as a coach and my goal is to first prove myself, and to also see what I can still learn from my former coaches like Datuk Misbun Sidek and Hendrawan.”
He added that his current target with Team Ireland is to capture a European medal. Ireland reached the quarter-finals this year and have shown steady progress, especially in women's singles – traditionally one of the country’s weakest areas.
“Progress is there, it’s just that it will take some time before I can make them top players. I need to be very patient,” he said.
Asked about Nhat’s recent win over Malaysia’s Leong Jun Hao in the opening round of the Malaysia Masters, Iskandar said: “He’s been doing well, and I really hope he will be able to maintain this consistency.”
With Ireland building a junior development structure similar to Malaysia’s sports school concept, Iskandar believes the foundations are being laid for long-term success.
“This is under me and Seng Zoe. The kids train during the day and in the evenings. Hopefully with this development programme we can achieve something.”
Whether he chooses to return home or continue his journey in Europe, Iskandar’s progress as a coach suggests he will be a valuable asset to any team. But for now, the shuttle appears to be in his court. – May 22, 2025
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